Inmate accused of stabbing officer with pencil

March 13, 2013

CNJ STAFF

An accused murderer being held at Curry County jail faces new charges, accused of stabbing a detention officer in the face with a pencil and trying to escape.

Undersheriff Wesley Waller said Jimmy Reagan attacked the officer about 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The detention officer, whose name wasn't disclosed, was treated for injuries at Plains Regional Medical Center and later released, according to Waller.

Jimmy Reagan

Reagan is being held in a isolation cell while awaiting trial on 28 violent felony charges, accused of killing 35-year-old Shondel D. Lofton in a bizarre June homicide and kidnapping.

Waller said Reagan asked the detention officer for help with removing trash from his isolation cell.

"As the detention officer was receiving the trash," Waller said, "Reagan stabbed him in the face with a pencil.

"Reagan then exited his cell and began running for a door that enters the primary hallway. The injured detention officer caught up to Reagan and a struggle ensued.

"Reagan struck the detention officer multiple times with his fist. The detention officer managed to take Reagan to the floor, where he and other detention officers were able to restrain Reagan," Waller said.

Reagan was charged in Magistrate Court on Monday with felony aggravated battery on a peace officer and attempted escape from jail.

A jury trial is scheduled for July 3 on charges stemming from the homicide.